Background intracranial EEG spectral changes with anti-epileptic drug taper

ObjectivePrevious studies have revealed a surprising decrease in spike counts and Teager energy between on- and off-AEDs states during intracranial EEG (icEEG) monitoring. Here, we expand the measures evaluated to icEEG power and frequency band power.MethodsTwo icEEG epochs, on- and off-AEDs, each 1 h in duration, were studied for each of 21 unselected adult patients. Spike counts, Teager energy and total power were evaluated for each electrode contact. Power was also evaluated for delta (0–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–13 Hz), beta (13–25 Hz), gamma (25–55 Hz) and high (65–128 Hz) frequency bands.ResultsA decrease in power accompanies AED taper and the previously reported decrease in spike counts and Teager energy. The decrease in power was underpinned by a spatially widespread and broadband decrease in power in delta through gamma frequency bands with maximum decrease in the lowest frequency bands. An increase in high-frequency power was observed in some patients.ConclusionsThere is a decrease in spike counts, Teager energy and power from on- to off-AEDs state during intracranial monitoring. The decrease in power is spatially widespread and broadband including power in the delta through gamma frequency bands.SignificanceThe decrease in cortical activity with AED taper suggests that seizure generation during intracranial monitoring may not be mediated solely by poorly regulated cortical excitation.